COPYRIGHTS

Control Over Use:
Copyright ensures that the photographer maintains control over how their images are used. This is particularly important for professionals whose images might be commercially valuable or subject to misuse. By holding the copyright, the photographer can dictate where, how, and by whom the images are distributed or reproduced.

Revenue Protection:
Copyright gives photographers the legal right to charge for the use of their images. This could mean selling prints, licensing images for specific uses, or receiving royalties from their repeated use. It also protects them from losing potential income when images are used without permission.

Credit and Recognition:
Copyright helps ensure that photographers receive proper attribution for their work. This is crucial for building a professional reputation and portfolio, as well as for the moral rights of the artist, which include the right to be recognized as the creator of the work.

Prevent Unauthorized Alterations:
Copyright allows photographers to object to or control modifications of their work that might be made without their permission. This helps maintain the integrity of the original artwork and ensures that any alterations do not harm the photographer’s reputation.

Legal Enforcement:
Should infringement occur, copyright provides photographers with a legal basis to enforce their rights and seek compensation or damages through the courts. This legal backing is essential for protecting their business and artistic expression.

Long-term Value:
Over time, images may increase in historical, artistic, or monetary value. Maintaining copyright over these images ensures that photographers or their estates can continue to benefit from this value for the duration of the copyright term.